"This place" is Leinster House, the citadel of Irish democracy, and there certainly was a smell of some kind of death around it on Wednesday. The death of an economy? Let's hope not. The death of a government? Altogether a better idea.

The political death of Fianna Fail and Green deputies by the dozen some time soon? Very likely indeed. Brian Lenihan has admitted that a "climate of fear" pervades the country. You and I and all of us fear for our future and our children's future; one radio caller took pessimism to extremes when he expressed his anxiety for his great-grandchildren. The deputies fear, with good reason, for their Dail seats.

Please sign in or register with Independent.ie for free access to Opinions.